An overview of the “Swiss Riviera” – Montreux, Switzerland

There is just so much to learn about Montreux, Switzerland that I don’t want to tackle the city in just one post. It just wouldn’t be fair! So be prepared for a gaggle of future posts while I learn about how much fun you can have here!

Montreux is located along a sheltered bay of Lake Geneva. Look up to the right and you’ll see a statue of Freddie Mercury (of the rock band Queen). Pinterest

Freddie Mercury and Charlie Chaplin both lived here and each has his own commemorative statue.

Charlie Chaplin’s statue. Pinterest

The climate is exceptionally mild here allowing cypress and palm trees (which are normally associated with the Mediterranean) to thrive.

Tropical trees growing under the snowy Alps. Pinterest

Wine vineyards also surround Montreux! How wonderful is that!? You can walk or bike through them or even take a small train.

If you love the outdoors and wine, take the Lavaux Express (http://www.lavauxexpress.ch/en/). This is an open-air tram which offers multiple routes among the Lavaux vineyards, which are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This tram can even be rented for private parties. Pinterest.

The long lakeside promenade connects Montreux with Vevey and is filled with tropical plants and flowers.

PinterestPinterestA creative lookout along the Promenade. Pinterest

The town itself has twisty, cobbled streets lined with beautiful buildings.

Very European. Pinterest

I’ll be unearthing more details about Montreux in future posts but hopefully this gives a decent overview of this stunning area.

A simple meal of fresh bread, butter, cheese, and a choice of local wines. Oh, and that view? What more could you ask for in life??? Pinterest

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sailaway from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain